Ideas for an Unforgettable Yosemite Thanksgiving

October 31, 2017

One great thing about traditions is that there’s always room to create new ones. If your family typically spends the holiday indoors, then it may be time to consider heading out to Yosemite Mariposa County for the 2017 holiday season.

When it’s luxury in a rugged paradise you’re after, look no further than Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite which offers a whole host of holiday fun over Thanksgiving weekend. During the weekend, the resort will host live music, a tree lighting ceremony, the grand opening of the skating rink and – of course – food specials galore. In 2016, Tenaya Lodge offered New York strip loin, turkey and gravy, candied yams, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, salads, fruits and more in its buffet. The 2017 version promises to be just as mouth-watering. If you’re not up for a buffet, the Sierra Restaurant also offers a full Thanksgiving menu, with selections for everyone in the family. Embers Restaurant also will be open, offering elegant, upscale and intimate dining options.

Other Dining Options

Yosemite Mariposa County restaurants, hotels and resorts are open for business over Thanksgiving Weekend. Whether you’re looking for casual eateries, non-traditional choices or the resort experience, you can search the region’s dining options from our Dining Page. Filter by cuisine type, region and budget to find the perfect place to create new holiday memories in Yosemite this year.

Yosemite Mariposa County Holiday Lodging

And don’t forget to book your lodging soon – Thanksgiving is a popular time of year for visitors looking to get in some hiking before the snow falls. Go big and stay and dine at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room or head to the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort near Midpines for a magical weekend under a grove of black oaks. Our Lodging Guide will let you sort by accommodation type – everything from bed and breakfasts to hotels, motels, cabins and campgrounds. You can also filter by region, budget and pet-friendly status.

Things to Do in Yosemite Mariposa County

With the crowds of summer a fading memory, fall is one of the best times to visit Yosemite Mariposa, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Check out these hand-picked hikes for fall travelers, including Sentinel Dome, Vernal Fall, the Valley Loop Trail and others. Shutterbugs can get their fill of fall color and snap the day away with these Yosemite Fall Photography Tips. Get more photographic inspiration from our Instagram account, and don’t forget to tag your shots with #yosemitenation.

We’ve also compiled a guide to fall activities in Yosemite Mariposa County, including lodging suggestions, promotions, vacation planners and webcams. Check it out here and discover all the different ways to travel to Yosemite, whether it’s by plane, train or automobile.

For more ideas on what to do, visit our Events Calendar, which is packed with workshops, celebrations, dinner specials and more.